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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.12.013 Byline: Chizimuzo T.C. Okoli (a)(b), Mary Kay Rayens (a), Ellen J. Hahn (a) Keywords: Secondhand tobacco smoke; Nicotine dependence; Behavioral effects Abstract: This study explores the behavioral effects of nicotine exposure from secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) on bar and restaurant workers. Baseline data were obtained from a longitudinal study of 105 bar and restaurant workers. Hair nicotine, self-reported SHS exposure, smoking status, symptoms of nicotine exposure after being exposed to a smoky environment, and nicotine dependence were assessed. Nonsmokers reporting four or more symptoms of nicotine exposure had higher hair nicotine levels than those reporting less than four symptoms. Nonsmokers with higher hair nicotine levels were 2.2 times more likely to report 4 or more behavioral symptoms. Self-reported secondhand tobacco smoke exposure and hair nicotine were not predictive of nicotine dependence among smokers. Nicotine exposure from secondhand tobacco smoke may have important behavioral outcomes in nonsmokers. This study provides further evidence for the importance of prohibiting smoking in hospitality venues to protect the health of workers. Author Affiliation: (a) University of Kentucky, College of Nursing, 760 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA (b) University of British Columbia, 302-6190 Agronomy Rd, Vancouver, Canada BC V6T 1Z3

This study examined factors associated with tobacco-free policies and tobacco cessation in schools serving children in grades 6 to 12 in a tobacco-growing state using a cross-sectional telephone survey of school administrators from public and private middle and high schools (N = 691), representing 117 of the 120 Kentucky counties. Trained health department staff contacted 1028 schools; 691 (67%) participated in a phone survey, which lasted an average of 19 minutes. Variables of interest were indoor and outdoor smoking policies, fund-raising in Bingo halls, provision of cessation and prevention programs, owning or leasing a tobacco base, if the school received money from tobacco companies, type of school (public vs private), and school setting (urban vs rural). Only 20% of Kentucky schools reported comprehensive tobacco-free policies. Urban area schools were nearly twice as likely to have a tobacco-free campus than rural schools. Schools that did fund-raising in smoky Bingo halls were 30% less likely to have tobacco-free school policies. While few schools had a tobacco affiliation, those that received money from tobacco companies or grew tobacco were nearly 3 times as likely to provide cessation resources, compared to schools without tobacco affiliation. Rural schools were less likely to be tobacco free and provide cessation services. School-related, off-campus, extracurricular events might be considered as an element of tobacco-free school policy. Schools with tobacco affiliation may provide more cessation resources due to the increased prevalence of tobacco use in these areas. (J Sch Health. 2005;75(6):219-225), The prevalence of youth smoking, while showing a downward trend, still bodes poorly for the future health of Americans. According to the 2002 Youth Tobacco Survey, 11% of US middle [...]

This study examined the association of Sensation Seeking and symptoms of Disruptive Disorders and investigated the associations of each with the risk of nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana use in 11- to 14-yr. old boys and girls from psychiatric and pediatric clinics (n = 206). Sensation Seeking and symptoms of Disruptive Disorder were significantly related, and both were associated with drug use. In particular, Sensation Seeking was strongly associated with drug use in early and mid-adolescents seen in a clinical setting. Measurement of Sensation Seeking and symptoms of Disruptive Disorder should help identify and characterize youth who are at increased risk for drug use during early and mid-adolescence--a time when onset of use may be a harbinger of long-term habit.

Purpose: Caring for a family member with chronic illness increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by 82%, and rurality imparts additional CVD disparities. The purpose of this study was to describe a profile of rural caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses to determine the prevalence of CVD risk factors, and psychosocial and socioeconomic burden, as well as to compare these variables across gender. Methods: Baseline data from a trial of CVD risk reduction in rural caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses were used. We measured depression and anxiety with the PHQ‐9 and Brief Symptom Inventory; social, economic, and environmental factors using the MOS‐Social Support and Economic and Environmental surveys; body mass index (BMI); blood pressure (BP); and lipid profile. Results: Of 181 caregivers (age 53±14 years, 80% female), 69% were married; 88% were caring for a family member, including 46% caring for a spouse and 18% for a parent. A total of 51% were anxious, 25% depressed, and 25% reported lack of social support. Most (51%) caregivers had one or more types of CVD; and 49% were smokers. By examination, 76% had elevated BP; 35% had total cholesterol >200; 50% low‐density lipoprotein >100; 56% triglycerides >150; and 79% high‐density lipoprotein <60. Based on BMI, 91.5% were overweight or obese. Gender comparisons revealed that women reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than men. Conclusions: Rural caregivers, regardless of gender, are at increased risk of CVD and struggle with factors that make caregiving burdensome and contribute to their own poor cardiac health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study compared differences in sociodemographic characteristics, personal risk perception of lung cancer, lung cancer worry, and synergistic risk perception among rural Appalachia residents who completed home radon testing with those who did not, after receiving a free long‐term test kit at a rural primary care clinic. The study also examined the association between the Teachable Moment Model constructs and home radon testing. Methods: The study was an exploratory correlational design with a convenience sample of (N = 58) adult participants recruited from 2 rural primary care clinics in Appalachia Kentucky. Participants completed a brief survey and were given a free long‐term home radon test kit. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine characteristics associated with home radon testing. Findings: Twenty‐eight participants (48%) completed home radon testing. There were no differences in personal risk perception of lung cancer, lung cancer worry, or synergistic risk perception between those who completed home radon testing and those who did not. Age was the only significant factor associated with completion of radon testing (B = 0.077, P =.005). For every 5‐year increase in age, participants were 47% more likely to test their home for radon. Conclusion: Providing free home radon test kits in the primary care setting shows promise in prompting radon testing in rural Appalachia. As radon‐induced lung cancer risk increases with exposure over time, health care providers in rural Appalachia need to encourage patients of all ages to test their home for radon, especially those who smoke or report smoking in the home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the effectiveness of a model for diffusing the Life Skills Training (LST) Program into middle schools, examined implementation fidelity, and explored factors associated with involvement in training and program implementation. A convenience sample of master trainers (n = 44) and teachers (n = 45)from 16 Kentucky counties participated. Teachers were observed for content and process fidelity, and trainers and teachers completed questionnaires to assess factors related to training and program implementation. More than one-fourth (27%) of master trainers conducted training sessions, and 60% of teachers taught the curriculum. While implementation fidelity was relatively high, teachers were less likely to use the more innovative elements of the program. Trainers and teachers who conducted training and/or taught the LST Program were more enthusiastic toward the program than those who did nothing beyond being trained. (J Sch Health. 2002;72(7):282-287), The Life Skills Training (LST) Program is a substance abuse prevention curriculum based on a multifactorial causal model of youth alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and on Social Learning [...]

A significant minority of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have detectable heart murmurs that may predispose them to infective endocarditis following dental and other invasive medical procedures. SLE is an autoimmune disease that sometimes causes heart valve abnormalities. Valve disease increases the risk of heart infections following procedures which might introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, such as dental cleaning and surgery. Researchers reviewed the medical charts of 275 SLE patients, and found that 19% had a heart murmur indicating a possible valve defect. About 4% of these patients had valve defects, and might benefit from antibiotics during invasive procedures.